Plants of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Scientific Name Tibouchina urvilleana (DC) Cogn.
Family Melastomataceae
Other Names Lasiandra, princess flower, glory bush
Status Alien
Distribution & Habitat These plants are native to southern Brazil. In Hawai'i, they have become naturalized on Kaua'i, O'ahu, Maui, and Hawai'i (Wagner, et al. 1990: 916).
Locations in this Guide Ola`a Forest
General Appearance
These are shrubs or small trees that grow up to 4 m in height (Wagner, et al. 1990: 916).

They form dense stands.

The abundant purple flowers covering a large stand make this an easily recognized species.

 Highway from Hilo to HVNP, 20 miles
Leaves
The leaves are 4 to 12 cm long and 2 to 5 cm wide.  There are 5 to7 prominent veins on the surface (Wagner, et al. 1990: 916) arising from the base of the leaf. Highway from Hilo to HVNP, 20 miles
Flowers & Fruits
The flowers have five petals.  

The bright purple flowers are about 3 inches in diameter.

Mature seeds have not been found.  There are reports that this species grows readily from cut or broken pieces (Wagner, et al. 1990: 916).

 Highway from Hilo to HVNP, 20 miles
Olaa Forest (on highway) Olaa Forest (on highway)
Phenology
Natural History It is thought that this species was introduced as an ornamental about 1910 near Kurtistown, Hawai`i (Wagner, et al. 1990: 916).
Conservation A serious pest in the Volcano area
Miscellaneous Photos
Other Notes
References
Links to Other Sites
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Last Updated: 08/05/03

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